Cruise in the British Virgin Islands in the very wake of Pirates! For indeed the islands of Norman and Peter Island were home to many pirates and the setting for the famous children's book, "Treasure Isle", by Robert Louis Stevenson. Snorkel in the caves on Norman Island where the very treasure is said to have been buried, and anchor in Deadman's Bay off of Peter Island, next to Dead Chest, the setting of the marooning of mutinous pirates, left with no more than a bottle of rum. Yo Ho Ho.
The Bight at Norman Island
The Bight in Norman Island was an oft used hidey hole for real pirate ships, as the pirates could sit aboard their ships positioned well into the island behind the bluffs of The Bight, always ready for surprise attack. Today, on your yacht charter after anchoring in The Bight, just around the corner, are a series of caves said to be the inspiration as the location of the buried treasure, described in Robert Louis Stevenson's famous book Treasure Isle. Easily visited by ships tender, the caves offer a fun afternoon of snorkeling and exploring and always the question of "could it have been"?
Peter Island Resort on Deadman's Bay
Next door to Norman Island is Peter Island with the glorious Deadman's Beach. At the head of Deadman's Bay, Deadman's Beach is a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach with towering coconut palms that overlooks Dead Chest and Salt Islands. It's now part of Peter Island Beach Resort and a private and secluded stretch of pristine beach for resort guests, and visiting yachtsmen anchored in Deadman's Bay.
Peter Island Resort
Just off Deadman's Beach at the side entrance to Deadman's Bay is Dead Chest Island. Dead Chest is the supposed setting for the marooning of mutinous pirates, described in the popular poem by Allison, and then put to music in the 1901 play of "Treasure Island", which was inspired by Stevenson's book. This song is now well known to any school child.
"Fifteen men on a dead man's chest Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum Drink and the devil had done for the rest Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum".
Peter Island Resort's beaches boast protected waters for excellent windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, and other water sports. Little Deadman's Bay and Beach is an extension of its senior and is a preferred spot for world-class snorkeling. Unlike the pirates of yesteryear, visit their historic haunts, but also enjoy the area through swimming, snorkeling, and exploring rather than hiding treasure, on your yacht charter of the British Virgin Islands
Ancient Ephesus was an important port city. Silting of the harbor however, has gradually moved this now historic archaeology site inland to be land locked. Cruising into the port city of Kusadasi, Ephesus is only 15 minutes away by land and well worth visiting as a day trip for a guided tour of the extensive excavations that have taken place over the years of this once vibrant economic and cultural center of ancient civilizations.
The Amphitheatre
Ephesus, founded in the 7th century BC, was the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor and was noted for the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. By the 2nd century, Ephesus was home to 300,000 people and a major center of trade. The theater could seat 25,000 and the Library of Celsus was second only to Alexandria's. Located in western Turkey, near modern day Seljuq, over 6 km from the coast, it's hard to imagine that this city was once a major seaport. Emperor Constantine built the long colonnaded walk, the Arkadiane, from the theater to the harbor in the 4th century. However, by that time silt from the Cayster River, which today meanders lazily through the plains beyond the ruins, was already filling the harbor. By Byzantine times, the harbor was useless, and the site nearly forgotten until archeologists began uncovering parts of the city in the mid 19th century.
The Celsus Library
Ephesus is unparalleled in the number of well preserved ancient ruins. There are over 30 structures, museums and ruins to tour as you walk along the ancient streets of Ephesus and include the Agora, Celsus Library, Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio, the Harbor Baths and the Stadium.
Library facades
Also, to the right of the road leading to Kusadasi are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana). Artemis was the virgin goddess of nature. The ruined Artemision contained a total of 127 columns, the 36 facade columns being decorated with carved reliefs. It was 115 meters long, 55 meters wide and 18 meters high.
The Amphitheatre
The Ephesus Theatre, which had a seating capacity of 25,000, was first constructed during the Hellenistic period, although the present structure dates from the 1-2nd centuries AD. The Roman Theatre was begun during the reign of Claudius (34-41 A.D.), and it took 60 years to build.
The Temple of Hadrian is on the street of the Curettes, and is one of the better preserved buildings at Ephesus. According to the inscription over the architrave it was constructed by P.Quintilius during 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the emperor Hadrian.
Sacred Way
Opposite Hadrian's Temple are the excavated Terrace Houses, which were built on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain. Their name comes from their design, with the roof of one house providing the terrace for the higher structure. The important and wealthy of Ephesus were residents of these "houses of rich" when built from the first century BCE, and continued until their restoration period in the second century CE. Although plain from the outside, their interiors were decorated with mosaics and frescoes and designed with opened ceiling, interior peristyles. Although these houses were mostly two-storied, upper stories collapsed after the last structures were abandoned in the 7th century. Excavation continues with two houses fully restored. Visitors can see plans of houses which had living and dining areas on the first floor, bedrooms on the second, and heating systems provided by hot water that flowed beneath floors and behind the walls. Visitors can also view current restoration projects with frescoes and mosaics in situ.
Visiting Ephesus when traveling to Turkey is a "must do" in your yacht charter itinerary.
Admiralty Island, or Kootznoowoo (Fortress of the Bear) as it is known to the indigenous Tlingits, is home to the highest density of brown bears in North America. About 1,600 brown bears inhabit the island and they outnumber the Tlingit community of Angoon, the only settlement on the island, about three to one. Around the year 2000, the human population of the island was 650 people.
Bald Eagle
The Admiralty Island National Monument, a federally protected Wilderness Area, occupies most of the island. The old growth temperate rainforest, is also home to bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer. An ideal place to observe the brown bears is The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area. Here, visitors can see the bears fish for salmon and interact in their natural habitat. Admiralty Island is also home to the largest concentration of nesting Bald Eagles in the world. As you cruise along the island shoreline, particularly in the early morning and evening, often bears and Bald Eagles are seen.
Bear Fishing for Salmon
In the waters surrounding Admiralty Island keep your eyes open for humpback whales, killer whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and porpoises, as these waters are a natural habitat.
Whales Bubble Feeding
While cruising in this area it is not uncommon for killer whales and porpoises to swim alongside, dive under or swim ahead of your yacht, as they love to play in the water movement made by the yacht hull cutting through the water. It is also quite possible to see a pod of whales working together as they "bubble net" feed for their dinner. A yacht charter that includes Admiralty Island includes the highlights of marine and wildlife in Alaska.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Camden and Rockport, Maine, in the Middle of Down East
Coast of Maine
Smack in the middle of Down East Maine, are two must visit villages, of Camden and Rockport. Camden is the quintessential Maine seaside resort, and south of Camden lays the thriving arts community of Rockport. Both have dockage available or safe harbors for anchoring. Go ashore, visit and explore these two well known Maine towns, for a taste of Down East.
Camden, Maine Overview
Located at the center of the state's mid-coast region, the quaint town of Camden surrounds the sheltered harbor in Penobscot Bay, and, in turn, the town itself lies protected by steep sloping mountains. In fact, an easy hike up Mount Battie offers amazing views of the bay, Camden Hills and the town. Cruise the bay's landmarks and not only will you spot seals but, the island retreat of John Travolta, Kirstie Alley and the Onassis family. However you may be spending all of your time taking photographs of this town and harbor of classic Maine homes and buildings.
In Rockport, concerts are still performed at its 19th century opera house and the village is also home to The Center for Maine Contemporary Art. Both Camden and Rockport are home to some of the Maine windjammer fleet as well, many of which are National Historical Landmarks. While coming in or out of either harbor, you could be met by these historic sailing ships under sail, as always.
Rockport Harbor, Maine
There are plenty of superb restaurants in each town catering to the most discerning of palates. Or your Chef can create a Maine Seafood Sampler dinner right on board. Fresh native seafood is not just the ubiquitous, must have native Maine lobster. You'll also find local scallops, mussels, clams, oysters, haddock, salmon and swordfish fresh from the ocean to your plate, which is all part of the Maine yacht charter experience.
Your yacht could be located right here at the Atlantis Hotel Marina on Paradise Island for boarding and starting your yacht charter vacation in the Bahamas off with a bang. Or stay several days before or after your charter to wind up or wind down. Overlooked by the hotel complex, the marina is tucked into the harbor front of the resort. Surrounding the marina are the Marina Village Shops ringing the docks. The Atlantis Hotel and Marina is an impressive, sprawling resort with services for families, children, and honeymooners.
Royal Towers, Atlantis Resort
Three separate towers, a beach villa, and the world's largest open air marina make up the Atlantis Bahamas resort. Hotel and marina guests have access to the 24-hour casino located on the hotel grounds, as well as the many pools and restaurants.
The Royal Towers building is the tallest building on Paradise Island, as well as the newest addition to the Atlantis hotel Bahamas. The Royal Towers is easily the most upscale tower at the Atlantis hotel Bahamas and features a luxury suite on the 17th floor. The Royal Towers is also located within easy reach of the hotel marina and the underwater streets for viewing that are filled with fish and artifacts. The Royal Towers is also located right next to the Casino and multiple hotel restaurants.
Coral Towers, Atlantis Resort
The Coral Towers are located between the Royal Towers and the Beach Tower and feature mid-priced hotel rooms at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. The Coral Towers are located right next to Predator Lagoon where families will enjoy viewing predator wildlife lagoons. The Coral Towers rooms are the smallest at the hotel, but are clean and comfortable none the less.
Predator Lagoon, Atlantis Resort
The rooms in the Beach Tower are the least expensive rooms in the hotel, as the Beach Tower is the oldest building in the hotel. Guests of the Beach Tower will still have full access to all of the great amenities and attractions features at Atlantis in the Bahamas. The Beach Tower is on the east side of the hotel and located near the hotel Lazy River and the River Pool.
Lazy River, Atlantis Resort
Outside, there are numerous pools, water sports, beaches, and other water fun including water toys, and the Lazy River Ride and the Power Tower. Visit the marine life exhibits, include the Underwater Viewing Tunnel and the Royal Stingray Lagoon. Relax in the Spa or be entertained in the night club, casino or large screen movie theatre. There is full family fun for all age groups in the complex.
Offering an excellent view of both English and Falmouth Harbor today, when facing west, this is also one of the best sunset views in the Caribbean. Taking full advantage of this sunset for a "jump up" party, Shirley Heights is the location each Sunday for a sunset party including Caribbean steel bands, and rum punch, served from inside one of the old military buildings.
Shirley Heights Jump Up
Shirley Heights "jump up" is every Sunday afternoon starting around 4:00pm. Enjoy local barbecue, and rum punch, while dancing to the Caribbean steel bands. And watch for a fabulous sunset from the "Heights" over English and Falmouth Harbors.
Shirley Heights was named after General Shirley, Governor of several islands including Antigua in the late 1700's. General Shirley had fortifications built on this site overlooking both English and Falmouth Harbor, remains of which are still there today, including gun fortifications and old military buildings. Enjoy a true Caribbean Jump Up, with a great view surrounded by historic military fortifications on your next Caribbean charter stop in Antigua.
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Greek Island Hopping, It's so Easy To Do; Yacht Charter
Greece
Did you know that there are over 900 Greek Islands? Stretching from the Ionian Islands in the Adriatic Sea to the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea. With a hop in between to the Saronic Islands, a skip to the Cycladic Islands and a jump to the Saronic Islands, there is an itinerary for everyone; and often many more itineraries than just one. When cruising out of Athens, there is always an island just a short distance away.
Spetses, Greece
There are so many directions in which to cruise out of Athens. After boarding, head south to the island of Aegina, then perhaps to Poros, Hydra and Spetses. These islands, which are part of the Saronic Island Chain, stretch right along the coast of the mainland of Greece along the east side of the Peloponnese Peninsula. There are many nice harbors and places to see on the Peloponnese Peninsula as well. Cruise further through the Corinth Canal cutting right across the Peloponnese Peninsula, from the Aegean to the Adriatic Sea . Stretching along the west coast of the mainland of Greece are the Ionian Islands, just one more string of lovely Greek Islands to discover.
Mykonos, Greece
Board in Athens and cruise in a southeasterly direction to the island of Kos. From there, it is simple island hopping throughout the Cycladic islands, if wind and weather allows, including the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. And for those that want to really explore the Greek Islands on a two or three week itinerary, cruise beyond the Cycladic Islands to the Dodecanese Islands on the far eastern side of the Aegean Sea near the coastline of Turkey. Each island is different, evolving through the centuries with a culture and history specific to that isolated bit of land, and each island offers a new adventure, so that visiting one Greek Island is never enough.
Imagine pulling up in your own yacht and tying up the quay just down from St. Marks Square and listening to the bells of St. Marks Cathedral as they toll the hours. With enough advance planning, dockage reservations are available along this famous waterfront, with all of Venice, Italy laid out in front of you to wander as you will. Or perhaps to have a coffee at one of the many cafes along the edges of St. Marks Square with wandering musicians livening up the evening hours. And, of course, there are shops and great restaurants, although you may prefer to dine on board on the deck entertained as life passes by on the quay in front.
Venice Waterfront
Venice is a city built on the water, by pilings pounded into soggy soil and little bits of land to create full city blocks accessed by canals and surrounded by water. Yacht charter in Venice is very different as there are no large grocery stores, and fresh water is a valuable commodity. Other than or small incidentals, most yacht crew must have large food orders and fresh water delivered by canal barge. Fuel is generally delivered as well in the same way. Coming into Venice, any visiting yacht must dock or use the mooring posts in the Grand Canal, where yachts are literally hog tied between four posts, two off the bow and two aft. No one can travel by water in the canals of Venice unless you have a Venetian water license. Not even the highest Captain's ticket that can be earned grants the holder the right to travel by water through the canals of Venice. So be prepared to come in, tied up and then enjoy Venice as the Venetians do by foot or by gondola and explore this fascinating city on the sea.
A relatively small group of over 300 islands and bits of land at the eastern entrance to the Panama Canal, the San Blas Islands are lived on and governed by the Kuna Indians, an indigenous people that have made these islands their home for centuries. Specific to this culture are the making of Molas, multi pieces of various colored fabrics sewn together with a pattern created by piercing through the various layers to different degrees, and then completed by intricate needlework.
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Molas For Sale
Molas Market and the Kuna Indian Village
The tradition of the Mola is believed to have originated with the Kuna Indians and is descendent from a form of body painting with natural dyes in geometric patterns. As cloth became available to this culture around 170 years ago, the body painting transformed into cloth panels decorated in these same patterns, which are then formed into clothing. Molas are handmade individual cloth panels using a reverse applique technique. From two to seven layers of different colored cloth are sewn together, with the pattern revealed by cutting parts of each layer away. These panels are then sewn together to make shirts and skirts. When a woman tires of the shirt or skirt, the panels are disassembled and sold as individual panels. The panels might show some wear or stitching marks from garment construction, however this actually adds value to the Mola as the panel is considered to have been made for authentic use.
Kuna Indian Beach
Molas can only be found for purchase in the San Blas Islands, which are a very interesting and off the beaten track yacht charter location. Here warm tropical waters and breezes mix with a unique culture, which is most easily experienced by cruising through these islands on a crewed yacht charter.
San Blas Banana Plantation and the San Blas Coconut Harvesting
We have had the last snow (we hope!), the sun is out and flowers are blooming. Newport is waking up to the beginning of a busy summer season. The video below shows a dormant Newport Harbor, sleeping still from the winter season. This video was taken right in front of the Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters office in Newport on Coddington Wharf. This is winter in Newport on the Harbor. We will take a video again when the yachts start to arrive and fill the docks, and then again at the height of the summer season, when the harbor is full of yachts and a beehive of activity. But for now, we sit and wait a few more weeks, until the first sailing yachts start to blow in from the Caribbean, followed in stately progression by the motor yachts. The harbor will come alive and downtown Newport will overflow with visiting yachtsmen welcomed back for another summer season of yachting.
The far eastern string of Greek Islands, called the Dodecanese Islands, stretch along the far eastern border of Greece right along the western coast of Turkey. In fact some of these Greek Islands are closer to the Turkish mainland than to other Greek Islands. Let's look at the Greek Island of Kos, for example, a mere 9 miles from Bodrum, Turkey. There are a myriad of itineraries available, which can combine the highlights of each country in this cruising area into one yacht charter cruise.
Castle of the Grand Masters - Rhodes, Greece
A nice charter itinerary to combine both the Dodecanese Islands of Greece and the Turkish coast starts from the ancient Mandraki Harbor tucked in next to the walled medieval city on the Greek Island of Rhodes. From there it is an easy cruise to the Greek Island of Symi, which many consider to be one of the nicest of all Greek Islands. There are several other small Greek Islands close by like Nisyros, with its strange combination of luxuriate vegetation against stark rocks.
Old City Gated Entrance - Rhodes, Greece
Then on to Datca, Turkey, a small coastal town of Turkey, complete with its own Turkish Bazaar for a good dose of Turkish culture, perhaps resulting in the purchase of a rug or two. Close by to Datca are the ancient ruins of the town of Knidos, with the famous temple for Aphrodite. Anchor in the same ancient harbor that serviced this once bustling city on the ancient trading route. Then off to the quiet bay outside of Bodrum, perhaps to an anchorage beside Cleopatra's Baths. And cruise into Bodrum, with the crusader castle dominating the harbor in ancient answer to the castle in Rhodes, completing a cruise from one castle to another now in two separate countries.
MALTESE FALCON sails St. Barth's Caribbean Regatta
MALTESE FALCON, the world's largest sailing yacht, performed exceptionally well in the 2009 St. Barth's Bucket March 26 - 29, 2009. She is equipped with six beautifully appointed cabins for twelve guests, featuring 2 King cabins and 4 with queen berths. Her professional crew of eighteen is sure to guarantee that your needs are met. She has a Full gym and numerous toys available, including 4 Segway scooters, 2 wave riders, 6 full sets of dive gear, water skis, 14' Jet tender, 4 Laser sailing boats, and 1 Hobi Cat.
Spend a week cruising the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean including French St. Barths, Anguilla, St. Martin, and Saba to name a few. Dine on top level cuisine created by the highly qualified chef adept in preparing French, South East Asian, Japanese, Southern European and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Who hasn't heard of the French Riviera? However have you considered this as a yacht charter location? The South of France, known as SOF, offers both High Style and lovely quaint coastal fishing villages, with villas tucked away at every turn. Sit quayside right in the middle of the harbor of San Tropez, having dinner on the top deck under the stars, watching the harbor front come alive with night life. Anchor off of Cap du Antibes, take the ship's tender to the private dock and lunch at the Eden Roc. Spend a day sunning and swimming in the islands off of Cannes.
Monte Carlo Casino
Musee Picasso
Spend a week cruising along this coast from San Tropez to Menton, and slip over the border into Monaco and dock in the heart of Monte Carlo. Black tie one night enjoying the famous casino in Monte Carlo to Capri's and sandals exploring Villefranche. There is always something to see and do. For history take a side trip to the tiny walled medieval city of Eze, or tour the Rothschild Villa and gardens, now open as a museum. For beaches, visit the famous Pampelonne Beach in San Tropez for sunning and people watching. For culture, visit the Musee Picasso housed in the 12th century Chateau Grimaldi. And for shopping, anywhere along the coastline, from the open air market in Antibes, to the couture shops in San Tropez. And for dining, consider perhaps the restaurant Louis XV in Monte Carlo and fabulous Soupe de Poisson in Villefranche.
Silolona is one of the few yachts that has worked out clearance into Myanmar (ex Burma) to charter the Mergui Archipelago. This area has been closed in general since after World War II until about 10 years ago, when diving companies began to gain entrance along the coast for diving trips in the pristine coral gardens in these waters. Virtually untouched, there are fabulous diving and snorkeling spots, wide beautiful white coral sand beaches, filled with huge shells. Most of the islands are uninhabited, however there are a few villages, and of course, the Moken Sea Gypsies.
Silolona, 167' modern Phinisi built along traditional lines is one of the few yachts chartering in these waters. The season is during the winter months, and the dates book up quickly. Silolona has 5 guest staterooms, each with ensuite bath, and a crew of 17, standing by to take care of every need. There is an on board Dive Instructor who can take even a novice through diving courses, an on board Masseuse. Every time you return to the yacht from a sea or land venture, you will be met by your deck crew with freshly made fruit juices and a cool wash cloth steeped in essence of lemon grass.
Food on board is beautifully prepared by Chef Bobbie, who is culinary trained and provides a combination of Indonesian, Thai, Indian, French and spa cuisine. And if Sashimi and Sushi are of interest, there is a never ending supply of fresh fish caught that transforms into an appetizer with pickled ginger and sesame soy sauce in minutes.
Contact us today for more information on this very interesting and unique charter experience.
Bowen's Wharf - Newport, Rhode Island 
